Community Answer Book

2019 An Appen Media Group Publication

COMMUNITY GARDENS CONTINUE TO FLOURISH ACROSS REGION The Alpharetta Community Garden, located at Wills Park, is celebrating its 10th season this year

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We’re setting the pace of modern medicine. From our groundbreaking Concussion Institute to our innovative use of robotic surgery, we’re pushing the boundaries of technology and setting the pace of health care throughout Georgia.

gwinnettmedicalcenter.org 2 | Community Answer Book 2019

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ANSLEYATLANTA.COM | 770.284.9900 | 31 CHURCH STREET, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 Rhonda Haran, Managing Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. The above information is believed to be accurate buy not warranted.

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Welcome to your 2019 Community Answer Book W Publisher Hans Appen Editorial Patrick Fox Julia Grochowski Joe Parker Carson Cook Candy Waylock Production David Brown Suzanne Pacey Jennifer Edwards Advertising Mike Dorman Paul Flowers June Michaels Steve Neese Kelly Pierce Kimberly Tyson

elcome to another addition of the Community Answer Book, a signature annual publication of Appen Media Group for more than 30 years. It is time to recycle your 2018 edition and replace it with this one!

As always, the purpose of this publication is to inform the citizens of north Atlanta — new and old — on the happenings in their community, the places to visit and the people to know.

We have included detailed information on our area’s parks systems. Every city we cover is blessed to have some of the most envied fields, trails, amenities and facilities anywhere in the Southeast. And, with the recent passage of some local park bonds, I expect we’ll see more of the same as city councils acquire more land for new parks.

We’ve also included some great information you may want to keep handy on how to contact your elected officials, a calendar of some of the signature events in the area, details on the area’s hospitals and some local news features you may find interesting.

Lastly, if you ever need to reference this publication electronically, or send it to a friend or neighbor, you can always do so by visiting northfulton.com. Scroll down and on the right hand side you will see all of the e-editions for our publications. There you will find the Community Answer Book, and you can even peruse previous year’s editions and see how things may have changed.

Thanks for reading the Answer Book. Reach out anytime if you have ideas on how to improve this publication. We’d love to hear from you.

Hans Appen, Publisher

Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps and photos — is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title.

All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, Community Answer Book, Medical Answer Book and Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton. com on the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@ appenmediagroup.com.

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta AppenMediaGroup.com 4 | Community Answer Book 2019

Community Answer Book 2018 by section: Alpharetta: Pages 6 – 15 Roswell: Pages 16 – 27 Johns Creek: 30 – 37 Forsyth County: 38 – 44 Milton: Pages 46 – 51 General Information: Pages 52 – 75

Community Answer Book 2019 | 5

Alpharetta: So much accomplished, with more to come A

lpharetta is a special place, and it has never been more obvious than over the last 12 months. Our community offers a unique blend of a great place to build a business as well as a great place to live and raise a family. That combination draws people here from all over the world to call Alpharetta home, and as great as this city is now, the future is even brighter.

The much-anticipated City Center project approved by voters in 2011 finally opened last year. The restaurants, shops and special events have added to that special sense of community that attracts families, neighbors and shoppers from all over to Downtown.

And there is still more to come with new shops and restaurants opening all over Downtown Alpharetta every week. Thankfully the new westside parking deck on Milton Avenue will soon provide even more parking spaces for the thousands of people who visit Downtown every day.

And Alpharetta’s progress is not limited to Downtown. Our professional staff members are working closely with the owners of Northpoint Mall and neighboring properties to help them write the next chapter for an exciting new district where people will be able to live, work, play and shop in a highly walkable environment where asphalt parking lots give way to public green spaces and walking trails. With the recent approval of the new developments in and around Northpoint Mall, the area is evolving into the next area of Alpharetta where renewed energy will continue to attract people and businesses looking for a unique blend of the technology and greenspaces.

Fortunately, as all of these exciting projects start to take shape, the city is making tremendous progress on the transportation projects needed to support them.

Projects on Rucker, Mayfield and Morris roads are already well underway, and we are working closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation to relieve congestion on Ga. 400 with four new flex lanes that will get traffic moving again and give transit a chance to improve mobility throughout our region. We are also working with the state and neighboring communities to improve capacity on our major east-west corridors like Old Milton Parkway, McGinnis Ferry Road and Haynes Bridge Road.

Yes, the last 12 months have been amazing, and the future of Alpharetta still looks bright as we look forward to another extraordinary year.

– Jim Gilvin, Alpharetta mayor

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Galvin

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Mayor Jim Gilvin 404-271-2716 jgilvin@alpharetta.ga.us City Council members Donald Mitchell, Post 1 Mayor pro tem 770-712-2290 dmitchell@alpharetta.ga.us

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Karen Richard, Post 3, krichard@alpharetta.ga.us John Hipes, Post 4 jhipes@alpharetta.ga.us

Binder

Merkel Alpharetta City Hall 2 Park Plaza Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 678-297-6000 alpharetta.ga.us/government

Jason Binder, Post 5 jbinder@alpharetta.ga.us Dan Merkel, Post 4 dmerkel@alpharetta.ga.us

Ben Burnett, Post 2 bburnett@alpharetta.ga.us

Shoppers, visitors crowd streets of Alpharetta Farmers Market

By PATRICK FOX

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isitors packed downtown April 13 for the opening of the annual Alpharetta Farmers Market, an agricultural — and cultural — happening that attracts thousands every Saturday during the spring and summer.

More than a thousand people wended through the side streets of the Town Green on opening day this year, sampling the wares of more than 85 vendors lined up along the avenues.

This is the market’s 14th year and its first occupying the new City Center development. In recent years, the event had been held about two blocks west, curling along Old Canton Street, but construction on the new Cotton House Hotel on Milton Avenue prompted the Alpharetta Business Association, the sponsors of the market, to find another location.

Long-time and first-year vendors said they are pleased with the new site.

“I like my new spot,” said Lola Wilburn, who is now in her fifth year of running Lola’s Sugar Pie Bakery out of the Farmers Market. “I wasn’t sure at first because I had a tree (on Old Canton Street), but this is very nice. Everything’s flowing smoothly.”

Wilburn and her assistant, Kia Mathews brought close to 200 assorted pies — from pecan to coconut custard — to the market when it opened at 8:30 a.m. By noon, they were down to about a dozen.

It was the same story at the Simple Bread Company, 8 | Community Answer Book 2019

where co-owners Gabe Peterson and Kathleen Allen sold a couple hundred bagels and other assorted wares through the day.

Peterson said they use only five simple ingredients in their breads, making for a healthy and flavorful product.

This was Simple Bread’s first foray into the Alpharetta arena, and both Peterson and Allen said they plan to return, next time with more bread and, once they get electricity at their booth, some cream cheese.

It wasn’t all food, though.

Barbara Vergara, owner of Yardstix, said she had a steady crowd at her booth, which provided an array of handmade yard art.

“The downtown area is perfect for this,” Vergara said, adding that she felt there was a little more room for the crowds to survey the booths.

The Alpharetta Business Association launched the farmers market 14 years ago in the hopes of drawing greater crowds to downtown. At the time, downtown was struggling to keep its smattering of businesses operating, and organizers thought a weekly produce market could generate enough interest to acquaint visitors with other offerings along Main Street.

The market has taken off since then.

The Alpharetta Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from mid-April through Oct. 26.

You can learn more about the vendors and their offerings at the website, alpharettafarmersmarket.com.

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1. Alpharetta Adult Center: 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 2. Alpharetta Community Center: 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta 3. Brooke Street Park- East Lawn 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 4. Cogburn Road Park (5 acres): 12825 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta

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6. North Park (109 acres): 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 7. Rock Mill Park: 3100 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta 8. Union Hill Park (12 acres): 1590 Little Pine Trail, Alpharetta

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9. Webb Bridge Park (190 acres): 4780 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta 10. Wills Park (120 acres): 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta Includes City Pool at Wills Park, Equestrian Center, Wacky World Playground, Waggy World Paw Park and Wills Park Recreation Center 11. Windward Soccer Complex 2225 Lake Windward Drive, Alpharetta

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Multi-purpose Courts Picnic Pavilion/Tables Playground Pool Soccer Fields Softball Fields Stables, Show Rings Tennis Courts Walking Trails/Paths Community Answer Book 2019 | 9

Top 3 events in Alpharetta Taste of Alpharetta Downtown Alpharetta, May Taste of Alpharetta has become an annual tradition for festival-goers, families and food connoisseurs for 28 years. Make reservations on your calendar to dine in Historic Downtown Alpharetta at over 60 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top menus in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities and entertainment to please every palate. Free Admission. Food tickets are $.50 each and restaurants participating in the Taste will charge $1-3 per food sample.

Music Stage will have harmonic rock/folk/R&B bands. A separate culinary stage will pair top area chefs against one another in contests. Party with metro Atlanta radio

stations. Play at the Fun Zones.

Come out and enjoy Alpharetta’s premier dining experience!

Arts Streetfest May 25-27, 2019 All days, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

This event is rain or shine.

Celebrate the arts at one of the city’s most popular events! The streets of Historic Downtown will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased. Enjoy a beautiful spring weekend as you stroll through outdoor galleries filled with fine art in 14 medium expressions, create children’s art and experience live jazz, Celtic music, cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free.

Old Soldiers Day Race and Parade Aug. 3, 2019. Race at 7 a.m.; band at 9:15 a.m., followed by memorial service and parade.

This event is rain or shine.

Join us for the Old Soldiers Day Parade and Road Race attracting over 8,000 people each year. The road race rolls through town and finishes right before the downtown ceremonies and parade that recognizes the living memory of all veterans of war. Along with the program and parade, the celebration also features floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities, and prizes. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road at the end of the parade route.

The Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta offers miles of a paved pathway for biking, walking and running.

Cultural and outdoor activities

trails. Restrooms available.

Avalon • 2200 Avalon Boulevard., Alpharetta www.experienceavalon.com Located at Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway, Avalon is an experience in the timeless art of living well. A luxury community infusing resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable community of shopping, dining, living and working.

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre • 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com/ At the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, you will enjoy performances by today’s leading artists and the Grammy-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Set on 45 acres of beautifully landscaped wooded land, the 12,000-seat, state-of-the art venue provides a unique setting for music lovers.

Big Creek Greenway Trail Length: 8 miles one way joins 1.5 mile loop; Type of Trail: Out and back; easy Access Points: YMCA at Preston Ridge Road or North Point Parkway or Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta; Characteristics: 12 foot wide paved path for biking, walking, roller blading, inline skating along creek; birds and mammals, flora and fauna can be seen from the trail. Access to beginner and intermediate mountain bike 10 | Community Answer Book 2019

North Park • 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta www.alpharetta.ga.us The park features seven lighted tennis courts, two multi-purpose synthetic turf fields, eight lighted softball fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, an adult activity center, an arts building, Rotary Reflection Garden and a walking trail. What more could you ask for?

Alpharetta recognized as Bicycle Friendly Community

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

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he City of Alpharetta is increasingly becoming known as the “Technology City of the South,” but recently, it achieved recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

The designation, given by the League of American Bicyclists, recognizes communities who invest in infrastructure, education and outreach for safe bicycling.

“Congratulations to the City of Alpharetta for creating a safe, supportive and inviting environment for people to bicycle,” said League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Bill Nesper. “Their vision and dedication have transformed local landscapes to ensure bicycling is a viable option for transportation such as commuting, making short trips around town and recreating. Together, we can continue to shift toward making easily accessible, healthier, active transportation options such as bicycling and walking an essential element in every community.”

Fewer than 500 communities across the United States have earned this designation. In Georgia, 12 communities are known as bicycle friendly, including Athens-Clarke County, Tybee Island, Savannah, Atlanta and Milledgeville.

Neighboring city Roswell was the first municipality in Georgia to achieve the designation in 2006 and has held it ever since. Communities must reapply every four years to maintain the status.

“Alpharetta has done a Herculean task, because it’s a big deal to get recognized for this,” said Bike Roswell President Lise Walker. “It’s not an easy task to have this recognition. Alpharetta deserves a big applause — they really do. It helps all of us… You can’t fulfill this goal in a bubble.”

Bike Roswell, like Bike Alpharetta, is an advocacy group for safe bicycling. The two groups frequently collaborate, along with the North Fulton mountain biking group RAMBO, and they have members that belong to both communities.

The League of American Bicyclists considers 10 building blocks that make up a Bicycle Friendly Community. These are broken down into five categories — engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning — that include qualities such as bicycle education in schools, bicycle-friendly laws and ordinances, and if there is an active bicycle advocacy group.

“This national recognition for Alpharetta is a result of a tremendous number of hours of collaboration between Bike Alpharetta volunteers and city leaders in the Departments of Public Works, Public Safety, and Recreation and Parks,” said Bike Alpharetta President Bill Lusby. “Bike Alpharetta began assessing and advising the city on ways to be more bicycle friendly back in 2011.

We are encouraged that city leaders will continue to create safe and useful facilities for all types of multi-modal transportation, such as bicycling and walking.”

Some of Bike Alpharetta’s efforts include advocating for the state’s “Three-Foot Law” between vehicles and bicyclists, collaborating with the city to incorporate safe bicycling infrastructure, and encouraging citizens to bike to work. The group has also identified and mapped several cycling routes throughout the city for all skill levels.

“We are very proud of earning the designation of Bicycle Friendly Community,” said Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin. “But we are more proud of the impact that our partnership with Bike Alpharetta is having on Alpharetta. Their volunteers have spent countless hours working with our staff to identify and pursue goals and strategies that are making Alpharetta safer for bicyclists and pedestrians, directly improving the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.”

All 12 of the Bicycle Friendly Communities in Georgia have the bronze level status. Bike Roswell is working to up its designation to the silver level, Walker said.

To learn more about bicycling in Alpharetta, including maps, or to get involved, visit bikealpharetta.org.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 11

AROUND TOWN

Who is the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau?

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s the official destination marketing organization for Alpharetta, Georgia, the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau was created specifically to promote tourism in the fast-growing city. Its purpose is to develop Alpharetta as a premier tourism destination by creating and marketing the image of Alpharetta to attract overnight visitors to stay in its hotels. The bureau’s marketing efforts continue to bring visitors in from all over the U.S. to shop in Alpharetta shops, dine in Alpharetta restaurants and experience Alpharetta events throughout the year which contributes to the economic impact of the city.

How does the Alpharetta CVB help those living in the North Atlanta communities? The bureau is a valuable resource to residents, offering FREE visitor information with over 200 brochures in the Alpharetta Welcome Center, and COMPLIMENTARY event planning resources for weddings, reunions, mitzvahs, meetings, special occasions and sports events.

The Alpharetta CVB staff will: • Be a single point of contact as a helpful Alpharetta event planning resource 12 | Community Answer Book 2019

• Provide insight on Alpharetta event venues, meeting spaces and sports facilities • Secure hotel rates and availability at all Alpharetta hotels based on the event needs and provide the event organizer with one comprehensive list of options – Alpharetta has 25 modern and affordable hotels • Assist with destination and hotel site inspections • Provide complimentary welcome bags with Alpharetta visitor information for Alpharetta hotel guests • Offer insider tips on securing the best activities, dining and vendor options for an event • Suggest customized itineraries for event attendees Call the bureau at 678-297-2811 to learn more about planning your next event in Alpharetta.

Visit awesomealpharetta.com and sign up for the Alpharetta Insider newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, promotions and giveaways, attractions, dining options and exciting entertainment around Alpharetta.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 13

Alpharetta churches expand downtown footprint Photo by Patrick Fox

The Rev. David Smith, executive pastor at Alpharetta First Baptist Church, speaks with visitors April 28 during a tour of the newly opened Hope Center at Main and Academy streets. The center, located on the top floor of the building, features private counseling rooms and a large classroom as part of its mission to help those in need of emotional and spiritual support during a crisis.

14 | Community Answer Book 2019

Baptist church group opens Hope Center to serve community

By PATRICK FOX

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wice this spring, downtown Alpharetta churches have cut the ribbons on major projects they hope will have a positive and far-reaching effect on the community..

On April 28, more than 50 people gathered in the parking lot at the Alpharetta First Baptist Church on Academy Street for a brief ceremony marking the dedication of a new community outreach facility.

Then, they paraded across the street.

“With all of the new happenings in downtown, we have a heart passion to be a good neighbor in our community,” First Baptist Executive Pastor the Rev. David Smith said. “Our lives’ desire is to be able to say to the businesses, the restaurants that we’re here to help. That’s our heartbeat right there.”

The Hope Center occupies the top floor of the building at Main and Academy Street in City Center. Its 2,600 square feet of space includes conference and consulting rooms and a larger lecture hall.

Smith said the church has invested in the neighborhood of $200,000 to lease and furnish the space.

Locating off campus, he said, was a conscious decision.

“Our church has a passion to reach into our community for those who are in life’s crises or life’s transitions,” he said. “Most of those deal with emotional crisis or, perhaps, spiritual crisis.”

The Hope Center provides support for those who have lost loved ones or who are struggling with other issues, such as addiction.

Myles Chatham, one of the leaders associated with the Hope Center, said the organization sprang from First Baptist with three goals in mind: through Bible-

also increased adult centered help groups, oneclassroom space and on-one confidential care added 10,000 square feet and professional counseling of gathering space that services. features guest services “The Hope Network areas and a café. exists to provide care, Work also included hope and truth in times of renovations to the life’s crises and transitions, church’s Student Center, so this is an opportunity adding classrooms and to serve our community,” enclosing the portico.

Chatham said. “It’s right in Photo by Patrick Fox The April 14 ribbon the heart of Alpharetta.”

Alpharetta First Baptist Church members file into cutting marked the end of The Hope Center, Chathe newly opened Hope Center at Main and Academy a vision that began nearly tham said, is partnering with streets to tour the new facilities April 28. The Hope Center provides support for those dealing with a life four years ago, according businesses and any other crisis or transition. to Senior Pastor, the Rev. group that want to support Don Martin. the effort. Everyone faces Dignitaries at the event some crisis in their life, he included the Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson, bishop of the said, whether it be the loss of a job, the loss of a loved UMC’s North Georgia Annual Conference, Alpharetta one or a strained personal relationship.

Mayor Jim Gilvin and former Mayor Arthur Letchas.

“We’re there to help them in those seasons, to really Longtime church member George Jones, who partichelp them through those times in their lives,” he said. ipated in the original groundbreaking ceremony for the The ceremony came three weeks after Alpharetta First United Methodist Church consecrated a new, $10.7 Main Street building nearly 60 years ago, handled the chore of cutting the red ribbon. million addition to its campus at Main and Cumming “This place belongs not to us, but to God and the streets. The new building provides a Children’s Minissurrounding community, the city of Alpharetta,” Martin tries addition that features a theater for large groups and said at the April 14 ceremony. improved classrooms for smaller gatherings. The project

Community Answer Book 2019 | 15

Roswell’s future looks bright I

have lived in Roswell for many years, and I’ve loved living here, raising my family here and running my small business here. Being elected Roswell’s mayor is an honor and privilege. Roswell’s employees serve our citizens every day, and in some cases, 24 hours a day.

Together, we strive to continue Roswell’s tradition of offering the highest level of service to our citizens.

Roswell is a city that cherishes its rich history and serves as an example of what it means to hold true to its own history while moving forward in today’s world.

I am excited to share some of the ways we are setting the standard for the cities of North Fulton and for Georgia: Southern Skillet Property Redevelopment The Southern Skillet restaurant was a fixture in Roswell for many years, and now the Southern Skillet project will truly be a catalyst for redevelopment right in the heart of Roswell’s downtown. The Southern Skillet is being redeveloped into an exciting multi-use destination that is a much-needed addition to the Ga. 9 corridor. The project will feature a boutique grocery, office, retail and residential space.

River Parks Master Plan If geography is destiny, then Roswell is indeed blessed. The city owns 22 acres of parkland along the Chattahoochee River, and the River Parks Master Plan is a $50 million river park improvement plan. This year, our goal is to begin the process of initiating pieces of the Master Plan, which creates a vision for the parks, trails and recreational facilities along a 5-mile section of the river from Don White Park to Willeo Park. This exciting plan is a road map for the city to invest in our unique river parks, which are near and dear to the residents of Roswell.

Doc‘s Cafe Preservation Project As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We are not makers of history; we are made by history.” Roswell is special because of its diverse and remarkable story. Doc’s Cafe is a little house on Oxbo Road, and it was the first restaurant where African Americans could eat in Roswell. It was a Groveway Community gathering place. Because of a road realignment project, it was being displaced. In true Roswell spirit, the community is rallying to save the structure, this piece of our history. Once the restoration is complete, I envision Doc’s Cafe being a wonderful addition to our tour of historic homes. I am excited to expand Roswell’s story in a way that maximizes and enhances the Groveway Community, which in turn, enhances all of Roswell.

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I am out in the community every day, talking with our residents and welcoming our visitors. I host my “Coffee with the Mayor” events once a quarter to provide a casual, comfortable environment for the community to visit with me and chat. If you want more details on events or just like to keep up to date on what is happening in Roswell, please follow me on my Facebook page, facebook.com/RoswellMayorLoriHenry.

– Lori Henry, Roswell mayor

AROUND TOWN

Welcome to Roswell The magnificent Covered Pede

Tours — 3 Historic House

Southern Trilogy Tours — 3 Historic House Museums Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Archibald Smith Plantation. Hear captivating stores about Roswell’s founding family and the only antebellum garden open to the public in metro Atlanta; the love story of Mittie Bulloch and the union that would produce a U.S. President; the home of an affluent farm family whose descendants would only allow the house to become one of Roswell’s museum homes if the city agreed that the family maid could live there the remainder of her days.

Chattahoochee Nature Center One hundred twenty seven (127) acres include native plant gardens, woodland trails, a discovery center, 20 interactive native animal exhibits, and a boardwalk.

This nature lover’s paradise has a calendar filled with programs, activities, special events, canoe excursions, concerts; something to please each member of the

ulloch Hall and Archibald

tores about Roswell’s d the only antebellum garden in metro Atlanta; the love och and the union that U.S. President; the home family whose descendants he house to become one of

that links to the Chattahoochee Recreation Area

family. A definite must see.

• Old Mill Park’s Interpretive Trail to the 1853 mill ruins and waterfall • The magnificent Covered Pedestrian Bridge that links to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

• A dynamic Craft Brewery Scene • Over 200 Restaurants • Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Fishing on the Chattahoochee River • Sculpture Tours, Art Galleries and an array of Exhibits and Festivals • Hiking Trails, Bicycle Activities, and numerous Parks recognized as the best in the nation • Alive in Roswell, Riverside Sounds Concert Series, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and so much more to do and see

A dynamic Craft Brewery Scen Over 200 Restaurants

Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddlebo on the Chattahoochee River Community Answer Book 2019 | 17

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Matt Judy Post 6 770-641-3757 mjudy@roswellgov.com

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oswell Recreation, Parks, R Historic & Cultural Affairs Department (770) 641-3705 • roswellgov.com 1. Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell 2. Azalea Park (80.95 acres) 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell 3. Big Creek Park (161.1 acres) 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell 4. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell 5. Don White Memorial Park (67.5 acres), 925 Riverside Road, Roswell 6. East Roswell Park (69.8 acres) 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell 7. Garrard Landing Park (22 acres) 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta 8. Grimes Bridge Park (11.3 acres) 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell 9. Groveway Community Park, 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell 10. H eart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton Street, Roswell 11. Hembree Park (34.5 acres) 850 Hebree Road, Roswell 12. L ake Charles Park (0.5 acres) 195 Windflower Court, Roswell 13. L eita Thompson Memorial Park (141.9 acres) 1200 Woodstock Road, Roswell 14. O ld Mill Park (45 acres), 95 Mill View Ave., Roswell 15. R iverside Park (27.7 acres) 575 Riverside Road, Roswell 16. R oswell Area Park (79.6 acres) 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell 17. R oswell River Landing (2.5 acres) 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell 18. S loan Street Park, 75 Sloan Street, Roswell 19. S weet Apple Park (8.152) 11850 Crabapple Road, Roswell 20. Town Square Park (1 acre) 610 South Atlanta St., Roswell 21. Waller Park (16 acres) 250 Oak St., Roswell 22. Woodstock Soccer Complex Park (5 acres) 40 Woodstock Road, Roswell

Legend Arts/Crafts Rooms Bandstand Baseball Fields Basketball Courts Camping Area Community Garden Covered Bridge Disc Golf Course Docks/Decks Dog Park Event Facility Football Fields Gym/Workout Facility Gymnastics Center Historic Monuments Lacrosse Fields Meeting Rooms Mountain Biking Multi-purpose Courts Outdoor Fitness Equipment Performing Arts Picnic Pavilion/Tables Pickleball Court Pool Playground Recreation Center Soccer Fields Softball Fields Sprayground Tennis Courts Visual Arts Center Volleyball Courts Walking Trails/Paths

Community Answer Book 2019 | 19

Roswell Woman’s Club exudes compassionate volunteering Club serves North Fulton for nearly 70 years

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

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or almost 70 years, the Roswell Woman’s Club has served North Fulton through educational scholarships and grants, human services, cultural arts, historical preservation and urban improvement.

The club’s current President Cheryl O’Donnell joined in 2005 and set a personal goal to make a positive and personal difference in the community.

“I had two young daughters at that time and I wanted to set a good example of what it means to be a compassionate volunteer,” O’Donnell said. “An unexpected benefit was the wonderful friends I made along the way, both in the club and within the organizations supported by Roswell Woman’s Club. That’s truly my greatest gift.”

The nonprofit service organization works to benefit the communities in which they live and work in the greater North Fulton areas, she said. The 200 members accomplish this through hands-on involvement, volunteerism in the community and monetary contributions through fundraising.

Of those members, 104 have been with the club for more than 10 years. One member, Helen Owens, has been with the club for 52 years.

First Vice President Laura Jones said she joined the club to give to the community she is proud to live in.

But she said what she received is far greater than she could ever hope to give.

“My joy is in witnessing North Fulton’s growth into a community that all residents can proudly call home, an opportunity to make life-long friends and participate in the growth and preservation of our North Fulton community,” Jones said. “I have received far greater than I can ever repay. I’m grateful to be a member of Roswell Woman’s Club.”

The group supports and is involved in various projects, with its community service committee one of the largest in the club. Projects include decorating Bulloch

20 | Community Answer Book 2019

Photo submitted by RWC

The 2017-18 officers include President Cheryl O’Donnell, First Vice President Laura Jones, Second Vice President Manuela Myrich Davis, Third Vice President Marty Johnson and Fourth Vice President Melany Shaffer.

Hall, volunteering for Foster Care Support Foundation’s Prom-a-Palooza, as well as working with the Drake House, Groveway Community, Homestretch and North Fulton Community Charities.

The club has remained a non-federated organization, desiring to remain completely independent in their decisions to support local students, schools and charities, O’Donnell said.

“Since 1977, the Roswell Woman’s Club has disbursed over $2,100,000,” O’Donnell said. “Each year, deserving local area high school seniors receive college scholarships, and local education and nonprofit organizations receive grants. Annual disbursements from our fundraising efforts are given back to the community during a formal Gift Disbursement Ceremony, typically held in May.” An annual fundraising event provides funds for the club’s monetary distribution to the community, she said. In the past, a Showcase Home Tour was the signature event.

Most recently, the club has ventured into new territory with the 2013 “Rockin’ Roswell CHAIRity Event” and the 2015 and 2016 Mardi Gras Balls.

This year, Marty Johnson, third vice president, announced the inaugural Holiday Home Tour Nov. 4, featuring five homes in the heart of historic Roswell, showcased and adorned with holiday decor by local floral and home interior designers. Sponsorship opportunities are new this year, and Johnson expects online tickets to sell out quickly.

“I was initially attracted to the club because of its wonderful reputation and rich legacy of serving North Fulton,” Johnson said. “Not only does the club provide time, talent and resources, the club is full of ladies with giving hearts. These women are givers in every sense of the word.”

Visit roswellwomansclub.org for more information.

Community leaders and representatives from HomeAid Atlanta and The Drake House gathered at North Clara Drive Feb. 8 to celebrate the final expansion of The Drake Village.

The Drake House expands services with completion of The Drake Village

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

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he Drake House now has more space to help single mothers and children in North Atlanta with shortterm crisis housing.

Early this year, the nonprofit celebrated completion of its final addition to The Drake Village, which provides temporary housing to The Drake House mothers on North Clara Drive. Several board members, local city officials and project helpers attended the official opening in February.

The Drake Village is an expanded version of The Drake House program and provides affordable housing to families for up to two years while they get back on their feet. The program includes intensive background checks and several mandatory components. Those who stay at The Drake Village must participate in activities, including gaining employment during their stay, life skills classes, regular appointments with career coaches, empowerment programs and other life-building activities.

“The moms are making incredible progress, and it’s so exciting,” said The Drake House Executive Director Kathy Swahn. “The staff and after-school team are really doing amazing work, working with the children.

We’re seeing remarkable progress in their improvement of academics and school attendance… A lot of that trauma and anger is melting away because they’re getting consistent care.”

Residents at The Drake Village work with staff to achieve five specific goals: learn to pay rent on the first of each month, increase income, increase savings, reduce debt and increase their credit score.

“Average rates up here are about $1,300 per month

and that’s with a very modest apartment,” said Swahn, who is retiring this year after 15 years at the helm. “Our overall goal with our moms is to try and get their income up to $18-$20 an hour if you want to stay in the area, and that’s hard to do. That’s hard to do for first responders, healthcare workers, people working in the hospitality industry — they’re being forced farther and farther out from the area.”

With the help of HomeAid Atlanta, The Drake House was able to acquire and renovate all of the former Roswell Oaks Apartments into two-bedroom units. The acquisition doubled The Drake House’s housing capacity, which now includes 32 units. One of the biggest additions to the buildings, Swahn said, is a stackable washer and dryer.

HomeAid Atlanta is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless.

HomeAid Atlanta Board President Shane Roach said the goal of the organization is to save 50 percent or more on building and renovation costs for nonprofits like The Drake House.

HomeAid Atlanta has added about 150 builds across Metro Atlanta, and the team is particularly proud of the long-standing relationship with The Drake House, Roach added.

“We’re all really proud and humbled to participate in this project,” Roach said. “We’ve always enjoyed working with The Drake House… They consistently provide this amazing leadership and a program that is simply wonderful.”

Community Answer Book 2019 | 21

Top 3 events in Roswell

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Alive in Roswell Every third Thursday April – Oct. from 5-9 p.m.

This event is known as the best street party in the metro Atlanta area. Live music, food, displays and shopping make this event a fun and family friendly event. Trolley shuttles are available from the parking lot of City Hall connecting to venues in Historic Roswell, including Canton Street, free of charge. Shops and restaurants offer discounts and specials and live music plays throughout the district. For more information, visit www.alive inroswell.com.

Riverside Sounds 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 Starting in May, the City of Roswell kicks off the 2019 season of Riverside Sounds, an annual series of six free outdoor concerts held at Riverside Park on the first Saturday of the month from May through October from 7-9 p.m.

There will be food trucks at each concert, and guests are also invited to bring their own picnic. Here are the featured artists for the remainder of the season: • June 1 — Stephane Wrembel (Django Jazz) • July 6 — Moves (Rock, Pop, Soul) • Aug. 3 — Family & Friends (Folk Rock) • Sept. 7 — Birdtalker (Indie Rock, Acoustic Folk) • Oct. 5 — Front Country (Roots Pop) Youth Day Parade and Festival October Time and date to be announced closer to the event.

Begun in 1950, the annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade honors the city’s youths with a parade down Canton Street, ending in a festival at Roswell Area Park. Local schools and civic groups make floats dedicated to a theme. Before the parade is the Historic 5K road race. For more information, visit www.roswellgov.com.

22 | Community Answer Book 2019

Cultural and outdoor activities Canton Street Historic Roswell Canton Street, with its dozens of shops, art galleries, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, is bustling with vitality. Explore boutique shops and stores and then stop for a bite to eat in the many award-winning and unique restaurants.

Riverside Park 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, roswellgov.com Children can enjoy the sprayground while adults take advantage of hiking and bike trails as well as the waterfront of the Chattahoochee River. During the warmer months, live concerts are held on the stage and food trucks often visit.

Historic Homes – Barrington, Bulloch and Smith Plantation Home, Historic Roswell southerntrilogy.com Dubbed the “Southern Trilogy,” the three historic

homes owned by the city — Barrington, Bulloch and Smith Plantation — all date to the founding of Roswell in the early-to-mid 1800s.

They are among the few antebellum mansions still in existence in Atlanta. Barrington Hall was home to the royal family of Roswell, the Kings. Bulloch Hall was home to Mittie Bulloch, mother to President Teddy Roosevelt.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St., Roswell, roswellgov.com This venue hosts theatre, music, dance, puppet shows performances as well pageants, celebrations, special events and exhibits. Many local groups call the 600-seat theatre home.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forrest St., Roswell, get.org Georgia Ensemble Theatre provides award-winning theatre productions and first class educational opportunities on a year-round basis and is the resident professional theatre.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 23

Roswell opens final phase of Riverwalk Chattahoochee Nature Center

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

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ne of Roswell’s most popular trails has gained nearly another mile for locals to walk, bike and run along.

On Nov. 15, 2018, city officials and leaders gathered at the Chattahoochee Nature Center to officially open Phase 5 of Roswell’s Riverwalk boardwalk project.

This is the last phase of the project, which created a multi-purpose greenway paralleling the Chattahoochee River. It’s made up of several sections of dirt trail and winding boardwalk overlooking the river.

“The city is thrilled to have completed this beautiful project for our community,” said Jeff Leatherman, director of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department. “Our feedback from our residents and visitors has been very positive. Everyone that I have spoken with is appreciative of the new trail connection and is excited that it is open to enjoy.”

The final phase extends the Riverwalk trail from the end of Phase 4 on Willeo Road, by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, to the Gold Branch Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Cobb County.

Roswell Spokeswoman Karen Zitomer identified three main benefits Riverwalk provides the community: connectivity, community and safety.

The trail continues the city’s goal to create a “vibrant riverside community” by connecting neighborhoods and parks together, Zitomer said.

Riverwalk incorporates parks, trails and other recreational and educational facilities. Connecting parks include Don White Park, Riverside Park and Azalea Park.

Riverwalk will also eventually connect to the bridge at Willeo Road and Lower Roswell Road through a Roswell Department of Transportation project with Cobb County, Zitomer said.

The trail system also “provides a safe, relaxing place for all members of our community to enjoy the river,” she said.

The project dates back to 2000, when residents approved a bond referendum that included funding for Roswell to construct the 7-mile greenway. The city was awarded $1.8 million in Federal Transportation Enhancement grant funds, with approved local matching

24 | Community Answer Book 2019

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City officials and leaders cut the ribbon Nov. 15, 2018, to officially open the fifth and final phase of the Riverwalk project.

funds of $450,000 from the City of Roswell.

The city spent $255,000 on design, environmental and preliminary engineering.

Phase 5 of the project began in early 2018 with clearing about one mile along the Chattahoochee River.

The actual construction began in early March with contractor Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. Riverwalk’s total length is about 1.75 miles of boardwalk trails.

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A shining light in She Is Safe works to end abuse, slavery of girls and women

By CANDY WAYLOCK

L

Nepali girl is saying, “STOP!” “Stop taking us.

Stop selling us. Stop devaluing us.”

26 | Community Answer Book 2019

ong before the terms “human trafficking” and “modern-day slavery” became a part of our social conscience, Michele Rickett was taking action and saving lives.

Through the She Is Safe organization she founded nearly two decades ago in Roswell, Rickett has helped thousands of young girls and women around the globe escape a life of abuse and slavery.

She Is Safe focuses on three key areas -- prevention, rescue and restoration -- working in the most impoverished, leastreached countries, where the busiest human trafficking corridors take place.

“We have ‘boots/ Michele Rickett, founder sandals on the of She Is Safe organizaground’ in high-risk tion. communities in India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal and South Sudan,” Rickett said of the organization, which harnesses the work of thousands of volunteers worldwide.

“We identify the highest risk places for the abuse and slavery of women and girls, then have our staff identify best practices for that location,” she said.

To put it into global perspective, the risk level for the average girl living in the United States is less than 1 percent. In contrast, the degree of risk in areas where She Is Safe operates is up to 98 percent - meaning it is 98 percent likely a girl will be “sold” into a life of abuse or slavery, explained Rickett.

Her missionary work began early in her marriage, when Rickett and husband, Daniel, both graduates of Trinity College in Florida, prepared for international missions in the early 1980s.

They had a desire to work in “least-reached places” and were assigned to Nairobi, Kenya, where they served as a base of operations for Partners International on the African continent.

“We reported back to the [U.S.] headquarters on the status of projects, and identified African indi-

darkened corners viduals who could take up [and continue] the work,” said Rickett. “I was privileged to meet men and women leaders during a truly defining time in my life.”

But there was a darker side to the society where she was immersed.

Rickett soon realized the young girls in the neighborhood who had been brought in to do the cooking, cleaning and babysitting were, in fact, slaves -- and often not there of their own free will.

“Getting to know African women and girls opened my eyes to the heartbreaking abuse and sale of girls and women,” said Rickett. “What I learned [in Kenya] became the seed of what is now She Is Safe.”

Her life of missionary work may have started in Kenya, but her connection to these young girls and women was rooted much deeper.

As a teenager, Rickett was rescued from a violent home life of abuse after a friend’s mother intervened and reported the situation to authorities. The Department of Family and Children Services stepped in, and Rickett was placed with a “loving Christian family.”

Years later, in Kenya, those memories of her early years of abuse came rushing back; and became a rallying point for Rickett to be the one who intervened.

“I had no idea that my difficult childhood was preparing me for the mission God was opening before me,” said Rickett, who grew up in Cobb County. “It was as though God was reminding me that when I needed rescue, someone came for me.”

As Rickett looked for direction, she felt God asking her, “What will you do for these children of mine?”

She began by bringing her concerns and questions to trusted African women friends, knowing that they would have the best insights for helping to combat the problem of selling girls.

“Many of them had transcended these same abuses, understood the language and culture and were willing to collaborate on solutions,” said Rickett. “We have utilized this ‘partnership’ model ever since.”

Several years later, in 1989, the Rickett family, which now included two daughters, moved to Alpharetta, where Daniel had been tapped to launch a program for Illinois-based Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Michele was taking a much needed break from direct missionary work to raise her two daughters, but became a frequent guest speaker at women’s groups interested in her experiences in Africa.

“I began raising awareness about the plight of women and girls around the world, [and] forging deep relationships with like-minded women who believed that God wanted those of us who are free to advocate for abused and enslaved women and girls,” said Rickett.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SheIsSafe.org

In rural Nepal, there are villages with no girls over the age of 12. The missing girls have been sold into India’s massive brothels.

By 2002, the organization had a network of women (and a few men) ready to band together to create an international nonprofit corporation dedicated to freeing women and girls from abuse and slavery.

To advance the message to a broader audience, Rickett wrote two books, “Daughters of Hope” (2002) and “Forgotten Girls – Stories of Hope and Courage” (2014), which both became best sellers.

“Both of the books help readers walk into the lives of victims to gain insights for prayer and responsible action, and opened doors for us to mobilize more resources and people to join [our mission],” said Rickett.

Over the years, the impact of the organization grew, along with the lives saved and redirected. Rickett said in the last five years alone, She Is Safe has supported between 15,000 and 18,000 individuals each year in one of the programs of prevention, rescue or restoration.

Last year, an additional 68,000 at-risk children overseas received abuse prevention training through public schools.

Rickett knows the impact of She Is Safe resonates through each girl helped, saying that for “every girl or woman you help to lift, she will impact 26 others.” She also knows her work will never end.

“There will always be criminals who will do anything for money, but we can work to make our communities far less hospitable to these criminals,” said Rickett.

“And we won’t stop working and inviting others to join us — until every girl is safe, free and equipped to become the woman God created her to be.”

Community Answer Book 2019 | 27

Our new face on Main St. in downtown Alpharetta.

(Kelly Holtz Photography)

Alpharetta Methodist has a history of worship, service and leadership that stretches back 158 years.

We’ve grown along the way, and we’ve recently expanded again to meet the needs of our growing North Fulton area. We have new spaces for all ages, which gives us lots of room to grow, worship and learn together!

Our Mission is winning men and women, boys and girls to Jesus Christ.

Our Vision is to be a diverse community that invites and welcomes all people to experience a loving relationship with Jesus Christ that will transform lives.

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church 69 N Main St, Alpharetta, Ga 770.475.5576 afumc.org alpharetta.methodist alpharetta.methodist alpharettafumc 28 | Community Answer Book 2019

am alpharetta methodist

Sunday Worship: 8:15, 9:30 & 11 a.m.

You’re invited! Join us this weekend for worship.

Our new front entrance on Cumming St. (Kelly Holtz Photography)

Community Answer Book 2019 | 29

Community makes Johns Creek exceptional J

ohns Creek is consistently ranked in the top five of numerous municipal “best city” listings and there is little doubt why our exceptional city receives such beneficial accolades. With premier municipal services, top-performing schools, first-rate hospitals and medical facilities, executive homes, award-winning parks, and outstanding events and celebrations, Johns Creek continues to stand out as the most preferred place to reside in north Georgia.

Johns Creek has been recognized consistently over the past couple of years as one of the safest cities in the region and a highly sought-out community in which to live, work, educate and play.

It is important to point out that these key attributes did not happen on their own. As a community, our residents worked together to make it happen. We carved out our own piece of Fulton County 12 years ago and decided to chart our own course as an incorporated city.

By building our own police and fire departments with a focused effort on staffing each with the best leadership, personnel and equipment and by hiring some of the country’s most experienced and dedicated professionals, our city hall is teaming with talent and innovation.

We have more than doubled our available greenspace to expand our parks and recreational opportunities and have upgraded our infrastructure to accommodate a balance of live-work-play admired by many.

Our success motivates us and continues to draw in like-minded residents from around the nation and the world — residents who desire a safe and welcoming community, strong education for their children, active living and the opportunity for professional achievement.

From our cultural arts scene, to a plethora of dining and recreation options, along with our highly acclaimed medical facilities, there is no questions as to why we are exceptional and celebrated.

We welcome you to join our community and experience what it means to be a part of a lifestyle that we believe defines our tagline, and “be the exception.”

– Mike Bodker, Johns Creek mayor

30 | Community Answer Book 2019

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Johns Creek Parks (678) 512-3200 • johnscreekga.com 1. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve (46 acre) 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek 2. Newtown Park (46 acres) 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek 3. Ocee Park (37 acres) 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek 4. Shakerag Park (66 acres) 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek

Community Answer Book 2019 | 31

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Mike Bodker, Mayor 678-512-3313 mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov

John Bradberry, Post 3 678-512-3200 john.bradberry@johnscreekga.gov

City Council members Lenny Zaprowski, Post 1 678-512-3200 lenny.zaprowski@johnscreekga.gov

Chris Coughlin, Post 3 770-557-5702 Chris.coughlin@johnscreekga.gov

Jay Lin, Post 2 678-512-3200 jay.lin@johnscreekga.gov

Stephanie Endres, Post 5 678-512-3200 Stephanie.endres@johnscreekga. gov

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Broadbent

Steve Broadbent, Post 6 Mayor Pro Tem 678-512-3200 steve.broadbent@johnscreekga.gov Johns Creek City Hall 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-512-3200 info@johnscreekga.gov www.johnscreekga.gov

Historical Society looks back at the history of Newtown

By CARSON COOK

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t’s no secret that many roads in Johns Creek are named after historic bridges: Holcomb Bridge Road, Jones Bridge Road.

But how many residents can actually tell you the history behind those names?

The story behind these bridges, and the roads they named, were among the things members of the Johns Creek Historical Society learned Jan. 16. For its January meeting, the society presented “Memories of Newtown” with guest speaker Larry Garrard.

Garrard grew up on the Chattahoochee River, near where Deer Valley Golf Range and the Johns Creek Environmental Campus lie today.

“I grew up on a red dirt road [Holcomb Bridge Road],” he said. “We didn’t have crush-and-run gravel; it was red mud. In fact, if it rained enough we barely could get through it, it was that bad … now it’s a four-lane state highway with 50,000 cars a day on it, and I hate it.”

Garrard spoke about the history of the Chattahoochee River dating back to the Cheek and Cherokee tribes.

“That area is where I grew up,” he said. “In the beginning there were no bridges.”

In the early 1800s, different families ran ferries to cross the Chattahoochee River, Garrard explained. Some

32 | Community Answer Book 2019

roads, like Nesbit Ferry, are named after those families.

In 1834, the McAfee family built a toll bridge that became Holcomb Bridge. Its position would change slightly, and it would be rebuilt several times, including after it was burned down in the Civil War. McAfee’s son-in-law, Jackson Gregory, built the twostory, log cabin home that Garrard grew up in.

“No insulation,” he described it. “In the winter, air blew from the living room into the dining room. Everywhere had air conditioning in the winter.”

Garrard also talked about attending Newtown School, today the home of Park Place. The school was built in 1929 and was added to the National Historic Registry in 2006.

He showed the attendees a gradebook from 1930, belonging to Myrtle Alexander who taught at the school for decades, including Garrard in 1961. Several of the attendees either attended the school or had relatives who did, and they shared their memories of the teachers, staff and social clubs.

“It’s just always amazing to me that 40 years ago things were so different: all dirt roads and no traffic,” said Historical Society President Joan Compton.

The Johns Creek Historical Society meets monthly.

Meetings often involve speakers sharing a different part of Johns Creek history. To learn more about the group or to become a member, visit johnscreekhistory.com.

Top 3 events in Johns Creek The Johns Creek Arts Festival • Oct. Atlanta Athletic Club Fields The Johns Creek Arts Festival has quickly become one of the great outdoor events in Johns Creek and North Fulton. The area comes alive with more than 100 whimsical and fun artisans from around the country. This is the perfect venue to showcase the talented artisans who exhibit their paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and many more goodies. The annual fall celebration of the arts is a shoppers’ paradise, and there is local musical and dancing talent to add color to the event. Come to see and be seen.

The Fall Family Festival • Oct. Newtown Park Fall Family Festival & Public Works ‘Touch-A-Truck’ features music, games, activities, art & crafts, moonwalks, giant slides, obstacle course and much more. It is also the last chance to visit the city’s Farmers Market, and it all happens at fun-filled Newtown Park. It is a celebration of the last beautiful days of fall with lots to eat and fun for the family.

The city’s Public Works ‘Touch-ATruck’ is always a treat for the little ones. The city provides an up-close view of bulldozers, backhoes, public safety vehicles and other cool machines, such as those for road improvements and traffic signal operations.

Cultural and outdoor activities Autrey Mill Nature Preserve • 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Cultural Heritage Center is on 46 acres of ravine forest and a scenic creek. It has two miles of walking trails winding past the creek and forest filled with mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.

It is also home to the Heritage Village composed of four buildings original to the site and four landmark structures moved from nearby properties.

Johns Creek Arts Center • 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road Building 700, Johns Creek Throughout the year, the center offers more than 75 unique classes and workshops for youth, adults and

Founders Day Parade • Dec. State Bridge Road The annual Founders Day Parade is a special celebration of the city’s incorporation simply because the founding of the city was in their lifetimes.

Most of the residents who take part in the parade were here in 2006, so they are the founding fathers, mothers and children of Johns Creek.

So expect the brass bands to blare from all the high schools as they march by and hear the people cheer as the floats go past. Some of the parade highlights include local neighborhoods with proud banners, schools, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, community organizations, civic clubs and businesses.

seniors. In addition, the center hosts the largest summer arts camp in Fulton County and delivers community outreach programs and Girl Scout badge and try-it programs.

Newtown Park Amphitheater • 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek www.johnscreekga.gov The Newtown Park Amphitheater provides a venue for city-sponsored events, such as its summer concerts.

Naturally designed with stacked stone and arches of Southern pine, the 10,600-square-foot open-air amphitheater offers up to 400 seats under cover, and another 1,000 seats on its terraced grass surroundings.

It is also home to the Johns Creek Farmers Market each Saturday morning from April through October.

The Amphitheater is home to the Summer Concert series.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 33

Photo by Carson Cook

Autrey Mill Heritage Instructor Allison Kane, right, shows Payton Landeck an old knife sharpener.

Autrey Mill expands heritage offerings

By CARSON COOK

A

utrey Mill Nature Preserve has expanded its programs for history lovers with the acquisition of a historic smoke house and the expansion of Sneak-aPeak days.

The smoke house, estimated to date back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, was located on land that Johns Creek bought to create Cauley Creek Park.

The structure had fallen into disrepair and suffered vandalism, Autrey Mill Board President Pam Sutton said.

The city relocated the smoke house to the nature preserve and restored it so visitors can see another element of local history.

“We want it so kids can just walk into it, and it will inspire their imagination, “Sutton said.

The smoke house is located by the new porous parking lot and bus turn lane, which the city council approved in October 2018.

“This is pretty much a park manager’s dream, getting to preserve a piece of our history and do something environmentally green as well,” Parks Manager Robby Newton said.

“This is another win for the city, and another attraction for Autrey Mill, which I think of as our little hidden gem,” City Councilman Lenny Zaprowski said.

Like the new smoke house, the Summerour House, Tenant Farmhouse, Green Store and Warsaw Church 34 | Community Answer Book 2019

are historic structures located at Autrey Mill. Each contains artifacts, mostly from the 19th century, that tell a story about the lives of the people who lived in the area more than 100 years ago.

“We are really fortunate to have these buildings and things to teach the kids about history and help their imagination,” Heritage instructor Alison Kane said.

Previously, visitors could only go into these buildings on select Tuesdays and Sundays, but earlier this year, Autrey Mill began offering Sneak-a-Peak Saturdays on the first and third Saturday each month.

From noon to 2 p.m., visitors can tour the Heritage Village buildings with a docent and learn about local history.

“We’re always getting people asking ‘Are the buildings open?’” Executive Director Mary Winder said. “So creating the opportunity to say ‘yes’ is so important.

We’re so happy to open them up on Saturdays.”

“We’ve had Take-a-Peak Tuesday,” Kane said. “But it’s usually for retired folks, or people on vacation, but now we can catch more people, even if they’re just here to hike the trails.”

Tina Landeck and her family were among the first to take advantage of Sneak-a-Peak Saturdays as they toured the tenant farm house.

“It’s great,” she said. “I’ve never been inside, so it’s better than having to peak through the windows.”

Autrey Mill is at 9770 Autrey Mill Road.

AROUND TOWN

This is more than just health care.

This is Gwinnett Medical Center G

winnett Medical Center traces its roots to a single community hospital, which for decades stood as the only hospital serving the Johns Creek community.

And while we’re known for our legacy of care and compassion, today, we’re making expert health care even more convenient for you and your family.

Whether it’s the skilled providers of the Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center, the extensive resources of GMC-Duluth or the convenient services offered at ChoiceOne Urgent Care-Sugar Hill, we are continually striving to meet the health care needs of your community.

Here are just a few of the ways that we’re making our advanced health care readily available: GMC-Duluth From the customized care offered at the Center for Weight Management and the groundbreaking Concussion Institute, to the experienced team at Glancy Rehabilitation Center, GMC-Duluth serves as a gateway to connect you and your family with an extensive

array of trusted experts, comprehensive services and resources.

GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee Conveniently located at the corner of McGinnis Ferry and Peachtree Industrial, in The Shoppes at Suwanee, this advanced center pairs high quality health care provided by experienced specialists with a relaxing, spa-like environment to deliver an exceptional health care experience.

You and your family can enjoy one-stop access to a wide range of comprehensive services under one roof, including: • Primary Care • OB/GYN • Gastroenterology • Cardiology • Rheumatology To learn more about how we’re transforming health care in the Johns Creek community, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 35

AROUND TOWN

Photo by Carson Cook

Chinese Waist Drum Dancers perform for the local Chinese-American community to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival at the Johns Creek Event Center Feb. 16.

Chinese community celebrates lunar new year

By CARSON COOK

N

early 200 Chinese-Americans gathered at the Johns Creek Event Center Feb. 16 to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival.

Chinese New Year is the beginning of the traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on lunar cycles.

Though the New Year was Feb. 5, celebrations can go on for weeks. The entire season is known as the Spring Festival.

The Lantern Festival, Jan. 19 this year, traditionally marks the end of the celebrations. In China, the festival is celebrated by creating lanterns, writing riddles and eating rice balls.

Falling on the Saturday before the Lantern Festival, the Johns Creek Chinese community organized an event abounding in Spring Festival traditions, including plenty of food, live performances and raffle prizes.

“In China they celebrate with food, performances and giving gifts to wish good luck for the new year,” said Roy Zou, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s a time for the family and the community to come together.”

The population of Johns Creek is 26.7 percent 36 | Community Answer Book 2019

Asian, compared to 5.8 percent nationwide, according to U.S. Census data. There are more than 4,000 residents of Chinese descent in the city.

These expatriates come from all across the large and diverse country of China, and so the Johns Creek event showcased many customs from different regions of China. The waist drum dance, for example, originated in northwest China more than 1,000 years ago.

The décor and the attire of many attendees was red, which symbolize joy and good fortune in Chinese culture. About two dozen performers, such as singers, musicians and dancers, kept attendees entertained.

The event was organized by the Atlanta Shaanxi-Ren Society. State Rep. Angelika Kausche was among the attendees. This year, 2019, is the year of the pig in the Chinese Zodiac. The last year of the pig was 2007, and there will not be another until 2031.

Because in China pigs are symbols of wealth, some believe the year of the pig will bring prosperity and good fortune. Those born during the year of the pig, such as 1959, 1971, 1983 or 1995, are believed to be pragmatic, materialistic, hard-working and enthusiastic.

­

Community Answer Book 2019 | 37

Cumming continues to foster rich sense of community

From schools to quality of life, Forsyth County has it all

W

T

elcome to the City of Cumming!

From establishment of the first schools, parks and infrastructure needs in the county, to development of entertainment venues and retail business corridors, the City of Cumming has been and continues to be at the heart of everything that makes our community great.

Brumbalow That proud tradition continues today.

With fantastic amenities such as the Cumming Fairgrounds, Aquatic Center, and Dobbs Creek and Pilgrim Mill Road recreation centers, the City of Cumming strives to serve the entire Cumming and Forsyth County community through facilities and events that bring us all together.

Since I began my first term in January of 2018, I have worked diligently along with the Cumming City Council and city staff to blaze new trails that will foster an even greater sense of community togetherness. In 2018, we began several new events — including Fridays at the Fairgrounds, Food truck Fridays, all-day July 4th festivities, a summer concert series, and a downtown Christmas parade and festival — which were all greeted with open arms by the entire community.

In 2019, we plan to bring all those events back and offer even more opportunities for family-friendly fun in the city! This summer, we’re again partnering with area music businesses to present an even bigger and better summer concert series at the Cumming Fairgrounds, with our July 4th celebration including one of those concerts as part of the all-day fun.

I’m also thrilled to report that much progress has been made toward creation of the Cumming City Center, which will feature walkable boutique-style shopping, local dining options, entertainment venues, and green spaces with plenty of walking trails and a large water feature, among other amenities, on acreage located between Hwy. 20 West and Sawnee Drive, behind Forsyth Central High School.

In 2018, the city purchased and annexed all the necessary land for the City Center, completed an environmental assessment, and named Dwell Design Studio as the architectural firm handling the project. In April of 2019, the Downtown Development Authority of Cumming hired a City Center property manager who is currently researching other similar developments in the North Georgia area to learn those communities’ best practices and what things they would do better in order to help our City Center be the best it can be. We are hopeful that we will be able to break ground on the project by fall of 2019 and open by the end of 2021.

There are so many exciting things happening in the City of Cumming, and we hope you will come along with us through all these journeys to bring our community even closer together!

– Troy Brumbalow, Cumming mayor 38 | Community Answer Book 2019

o everyone who calls Forsyth County home, congratulations on choosing one of the best places to live! No matter where you are in life, Forsyth County has something for you.

We have an excellent school system, vibrant business community and low propSemanson erty taxes. Our award-winning parks system contributes to Forsyth being rated the healthiest county in Georgia for seven years in a row. Our community is the safest in the metro Atlanta area and has been named a top place for retirees.

Forsyth continues to attract top talent – both in the residents who move here and in the businesses that choose to locate here.

And while growth in our community is inevitable, your Board of Commissioners understands the need to ensure that it is smart growth. Every day we look at the impact decisions have on our quality of life as the board considers items that affect all areas of the county. We have conversations with residents, businesses and community leaders to review items that include housing, jobs, public safety, roads and infrastructure.

Whether you are new to our community or have lived here for generations, I encourage you to join the conversation and become involved. And we have so many ways for you to do this. Each commissioner has a page on our website where you can email them, read news from them and sign up to receive their newsletter. I encourage you to connect with your commissioner.

There are numerous opportunities to serve in community stakeholder roles or on committees and boards. Please contact us if you are interested in joining one of these.

Public participation meetings in the community and public hearings before both the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners provide opportunities for residents to voice opinions on zonings and other matters of public business. You can find meeting dates on our website.

The county’s website is also a great resource for information including county news, scheduled events and updates on transportation projects. You can find the closest park, learn where to vote, pay your water bill and perform property record searches.

In addition to the website, we have a number of other ways to stay informed and in touch. Our television channel, TVForsyth, broadcasts county news and special events. And our social media outlets allow you to receive news from the county in real time.

I hope you will take advantage of one of these many ways to connect as we work together to keep Forsyth County a top place to live, work and play.

– Laura Semanson, chairman Forsyth County Commission

Cooper

Brown

Molly Cooper, District 1 678-513-5881 MBCooper@forsythco.com

Todd Levent, District 3 678-513-5883 tlevent@forsythco.com

Dennis T. Brown, District 2 678-513-5882 dtbrown@forsythco.com

Cindy Jones Mills, District 4 678-513-5884 cjmills@forsythco.com

Brumbalow

Crane

Evans

Troy Brumbalow, Mayor

Christopher Light, Post 4

Chad Crane, Post 1

Linda Ledbetter, Post 5

Jason Evans, Post 2

Levent

Mills

Semanson

Laura Semanson, chairman District 5 678-513-5885 losemanson@forsythco.com Forsyth County Administration 110 East Main Street Cumming GA 30040 770-781-2101 www.forsythco.com/Contact-Us

Ledbetter

Light

Ledbetter

City of Cumming 100 Main Street Cumming, Ga. 30040 (770)781-2010 cityofcumming.net

Lewis Ledbetter, Post 3

Top 3 events in Forsyth Play at the Park Family Fun Festival • September 29, 2019 Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Ga. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation annually hosts the Play at the Park Family Fun Festival in September.

The festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities. For more information, visit https://www.playatthepark.com/.

Steam Engine Parade • July 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon City of Cumming Square, 100 W Court House Square Come see local elected officials lead a parade

through downtown Cumming on July 4. Steam Engines represent a historical era of agriculture and farming, and this parade displays the antique engines. For more information, visit http://www.cummingjuly4parade. com/.

Country Fair and Festival • October 3 – 13, 2019 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, Ga. Thousands of visitors annually attend the Cumming Country Fair and Festival held at the Cumming Fairgrounds in October. In 2019, this 11-day event will kick off on Thursday, October 4. For more information, visit www.cummingfair.net.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 39

NSW NORTHSIDE WOMAN

Cultural and outdoor activities

Distribute Northside Woman In Your Store!

Bring new customers into your store now by becoming a distribution point for Northside Woman!

It’s easy and FREE. Just give us a call!

770-442-3278

Cumming Playhouse • 101 School Street, Cumming www.playhousecumming.com The Cumming Playhouse is located in the 1923 Cumming Public School, a structure named to the National Register in 2000. A property of the City of Cumming, it also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County. The playhouse offers visitors a look into Cumming’s history. Patrons enjoy a variety of plays and concerts as well as playhouse tours.

Cumming Fairgrounds • 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming www.cummingfair.net The Cumming Fairgrounds offers seasonal fun for the family. In October the Cumming Country Fair and Festival brings the community together for wild rides and tasty food. Rodeos, shows and other festivals keep the fairgrounds hopping in the fall and winter.

Forsyth County Arts Alliance • www.forsythartsalliance.com The Forsyth County Arts Alliance aims to enrich the quality of life in Forsyth by connecting people to the arts. The Alliance advocates for the arts to keep them thriving in the community.

Lake Lanier • www.lakelanier.org Lake Sidney Lanier was completed in 1957 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Forsyth County operates several parks on the shores of this more than 38,000-acre lake, including the popular Shady Grove Campground.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve • 4075 Spot Road, Cumming www.sawneemountain.org Located on and around Sawnee Mountain, the 963acre Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers unique recreational and educational opportunities to the public.

40 | Community Answer Book 2019

AROUND TOWN

Northside Hospital Forsyth F

or a seventh-consecutive year, Forsyth County is Georgia’s healthiest county. A major reason is the quality care delivered by the Northside Hospital health system.

One of the Southeast’s most trusted health care organizations, Northside leads the U.S. in newborn deliveries, diagnoses and treats the most new cancer cases in Georgia, and is among the state’s top providers of surgical services. More than 2,800 physicians and 15,000 employees serve 3 million patient visits each year.

In Forsyth and North Fulton counties, residents have access to a wide array of high-quality services at Northside Hospital Forsyth, Northside Hospital Atlanta, Northside Hospital Cherokee, the Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus and many other outpatient facilities nearby.

Northside Hospital Forsyth continues to expand

its services in 2018. The hospital has opened its fifth medical office building, bringing expert joint replacement services, sports medicine and physical therapy all under one roof.

Northside Hospital Forsyth is a regional leader in same-day joint replacement, performing more surgeries than any other Georgia hospital. Northside Hospital offers expertise that ranks fourth in the world of all robotic surgery programs, meaning patients with postsports related injuries and osteoarthritis return to a better quality of life much faster.

This year also will mark the 11th anniversary of the Northside Hospital Forsyth Women’s Center. More than 3,100 babies were born last year at the hospital, which offers the individualized, special care that is expected from the nation’s leader in maternity services.

Follow @NorthsideHosp on social media, and for more information visit northside.com.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 41

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: (770) 781-2215 • www.forsythco.com/Parks 1. Bennet Park (29 acres) 5930 Burruss Mill Road, Cumming 2. Big Creek Greenway trail heads: • 2A: 5120 Bethelview Road - parking and bathrooms • 2B: 4110 Carolene Way at Fowler Park - parking and bathrooms (Follow the signs inside the park.)

• 2C: 1622 McFarland Parkway - parking for approximately 50 vehicles and portable bathrooms • 2D: 5259 Union Hill Road - parking for approximately 25 vehicles and bathrooms 3. Caney Creek Preserve (63 acres) 2755 Caney Road, Cumming 4. Central Park (85 acres) 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming 5. Charleston Park (154 acres) 5850 Charleston Park Road, Cumming 6. Chattahoochee Pointe (100 acres) 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive, Suwanee 7. Coal Mountain Park (26 acres) 3560 Settingdown Road, Cumming 8. Ducktown Park (6 acres) 5895 Heardsville Road, Cumming 9. Eagle’s Beak Park 8420 old Federal Road, Ballground

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11. H aw Creek Park (85 acres) 2205 Echols Road, Cumming 12. J oint Venture Park (16 acres) 3660 Melody Mizer Lane, Cumming

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42 | Community Answer Book 2019

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Community Answer Book 2019 | 43

On Angels’wings Emptying the shelters is the goal of Forsyth-based pet rescue

By CANDY WAYLOCK

L

LuAnn Farrell, co-founder Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.

44 | Community Answer Book 2019

uAnn Farrell does not think of herself as a hero, or even the kick-starter of a revolution. But more than 14,000 castaway dogs and cats who found their way to her might think otherwise.

“I didn’t set out to become an [animal] rescuer,” said Farrell, who co-founded Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in 2008. “But I am a firm believer that we are destined to follow a life path, if we only listen.”

For the Minnesota native who spent her childhood surrounded by farm animals and pets, her love of animals had early roots. When she and her husband, Ray, got their first German shepherd in 1983, she knew her home would never lack a dog. But the idea of a life of rescue was never in the plans.

After a series of moves around the country — 14 in 36 years — Farrell and her husband landed in Cumming in 2005. She began volunteering for the Forsyth County Humane Society.

“Somehow, somewhere, I got on an email distribution list of rescuers, and it all really began from there,” she said.

Farrell would see pictures of dogs about to be euthanized in shelters around the Southeast, and then work within a network of rescuers in other states to eventually rescue the dogs.

“I formed an alliance with a rescuer in the Northeast, started saving a handful from local shelters [in Georgia], vetting them and then sending them north,” she said.

Soon, a like-minded neighbor, Valerie Addington, with a similar passion, reached out to her to join forces, and Angels Among Us gained its wings.

“I wish I could say we had this incredible vision of how we were going to change the world, but at the time, we were just desperate to try to save the lives any way we could,” said Farrell.

“When we started, Val and I relied on friends and family to foster, volunteer, everything. For the first couple of years, we personally paid all the vet bills out of our pockets, which is why we had to keep working full-time,” said Farrell, a recently retired financial planner.

Slowly, the group grew to include other people as dedicated to animal rescue as Farrell and Addington. In 2009, AAU became a registered 501c3 organization. Its nonprofit status allowed AAU to solicit donations to help pay vet bills, which run thousands of a dollars a month, even with discounts from their network of veterinarians.

Since its founding, Angels Among Us has rescued more than 14,000 dogs and cats, primarily from high-kill shelters in rural Georgia, through a network of dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Although the organization now has more than a million

followers on social media and strong support across the nation, Farrell said its humble beginnings never pointed to such an impactful presence.

“I tell everyone that the success of Angels had nothing to do with me, or Val, but rather the incredible family we have built of fosters, volunteers, staff and donors,” said Farrell. “They are our foundation.”

She said volunteers are drawn to the values of AAU, which include never aborting babies from pregnant animals (which is often the practice) and never leaving a “family” behind.

“From the beginning, we based Angels on values that will never change. We will be truthful and always do the right thing. That is how we have grown our incredible family of volunteers, fosters and donors,” said Farrell.

The rise of social media helped bring awareness to both animal welfare and AAU, as well as the need for donations to carry out the mission.

“We would write the story of the dog from [the dog’s] perspective, and that seemed to move people who wanted to help. We were able to raise money for the vetting and therefore, save even more lives,” she said.

But she said Facebook’s recent change to limit the number of posts users see has severely affected AAU, as well as other rescue groups across the nation. Farrell said donations started slowing with the Facebook changes, and AAU and other groups that rely on word of mouth, are looking for new options to spread their messages.

AAU does not currently have its own facility to house animals they pull from shelters. Instead, the rescue group depends solely on foster parents, who take the animals until a “forever home” can be found.

However, Farrell said she is currently rethinking that model in an effort to cut down on operating and vetting costs as well as the need to constantly recruit new fosters.

How you can be an Angel VOLUNTEER

As a nonprofit with no paid employees, Angels operates solely on the time and talents of volunteers. Activities where the need is greatest include: • Becoming a foster home for animals rescued from shelters • Attending adoption events to handle and advocate for the animals • Conducting home checks for potential fosters or adopters • Making phone calls, screening applicants, general administrative work • Helping plan events and fundraisers Visit volunteers@angelsrescue.org for more information.

HELP ON YOUR OWN

• • •

Rescue and promote adoptable pets Plan a fundraising event Donate your own special talents (like fundraising, marketing, graphic design)

DONATE

In 2017, AAU spent more than $3 million, primarily on veterinary bills for animals saved from shelters. Of that total, less than $200,000 was spent on administrative costs (none of the seven AAU board members draws a salary).

Nearly every penny donated goes directly to saving a life.

Wish list: From crates and food to toys and beds, there are so many items needed for animals rescued from shelters and fostered. Visit AAU’s Amazon Wish List (see the link at www. angelsrescue.org) to make a purchase that will go directly to AAU.

FOLLOW

Over the years, AAU has built up a following of more than one million fans on Facebook, where the stories of need – and the many, many success stories – are shared across the country and the world. This is also the way AAU requests donations for spaying, neutering, shots and many other medical needs. Visit facebook.com/ angelsrescue to find out how to help save more lives.

“We are currently looking for either an existing facility, or to build, and will be starting a capital campaign to accomplish this,” said Farrell. “A facility will allow us to take care of the majority of our intake vetting and other storage/ office/adoption and educational

functions.”

Recently, Farrell and her husband relocated to Louisiana, but she still directs the operations for AAU, thanks to technology and planned trips back.

“I am still as involved today as I was a month ago while still in Georgia,” said Farrell, who recently retired from financial planning to run AAU full-time. “I do miss seeing the fosters and dogs, but I have to see it as another opportunity. “ She loves that rescue dogs are “cool” these days, with celebrities (including newly-anointed Duchess Meghan) touting their rescues, and companies allowing pets in the workplace alongside their employees. Farrell says the mindset is one of social conscience these days.

“Hopefully, this trend will continue. You don’t need to go to a breeder to find purebreds — we see them all of the time,” she said.

“Will it continue, or is it just a fad?

I don’t know. I just know that the death rate of unwanted pets in this country is a crisis. We have to change our society from being such a disposable one.”

She said AAU works with other rescue groups in Georgia, believing that a cooperative effort helps the cause of animal welfare across the state.

“The more great groups out there, the more lives we can all help,” said Farrell. “We try to share information on dogs as much as we can, and we recently formed an advisory board that we hope will help with legislative changes and education.”

Her ultimate goal is that one day, none of the rescue groups will have a need to exist. “‘Rescue one until there are none’ has always been [the AAU] mission and that has really never changed,” said Farrell. “Saving that one life today is no less rewarding that it was nine years ago. In some respects, it seems like just yesterday this all started — but then, I don’t remember life when I wasn’t doing this.”

Community Answer Book 2019 | 45

Milton pursuing preservation, transportation improvements W

elcome to our area!

As the mayor of the City of Milton, let me be one of the first to welcome you! Regardless of whether you moved here from another location within our city or relocated here from thousands of miles away, I am confident you will enjoy calling Milton home.

Milton is consistently ranked the second safest city in Georgia, and in January 2019, we were named the best city to live in Georgia by 24/7 Wall St. We are also home to nationally ranked schools and award-winning parks and recreation programs.

In addition to giving you a hearty welcome to Milton, I want to share a few key details about our city: 1. Leading the standard in local government: We strive to innovatively connect with residents and business owners on a daily basis. We continue our efforts to implement and execute our 2016–2020 Strategic Plan, which will continue to guide our city over the next 18 months with goals focused on preserving what makes Milton unique, continuing to build community connections, and providing rich and engaging experiences for all residents.

As part of our efforts to preserve what makes our community unique, Milton residents passed a $25 million greenspace bond referendum in November 2016, and to date, we’ve conserved approximately 257 acres through three acquisitions totaling $9.61 million with three additional properties, totaling more than 120 acres, under contract in mid-2019.

These additional properties would bring our total land conservation efforts to more than 375 acres.

1. Moving around Milton: With the 2016 passage of the five-year Fulton County Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or more commonly known as TSPLOST, we have eight transportation projects underway in 2019 — projects focused on improving transportation reliability, connectivity and reducing congestion for our residents. TSPLOST provides for an additional sales tax (0.75 percent) over five years to help fund transportation projects. These additional funds have allowed the city to expedite several transportation improvements.

1. Engaging our citizens in meaningful ways: The City of Milton provides a variety of ways for residents to engage, whether it’s through our annual special events calendar, new programs such as the Citizens Government Academy, Milton Citizens Police Academy, and the Community Emergency Response Team, organized by the Milton Fire-Rescue Department, or periodic community town hall

46 | Community Answer Book 2019

sessions. Email info@cityofmiltonga.us to learn more about these programs and how you can get involved!

Visit our website at www.cityofmiltonga.us, where you’ll find extensive information on our government, city officials, parks and recreation and many other areas that could be of interest to you and your family.

If you have any questions or would like more information about Milton, please give me a call at 678-2422484 or email joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us.

Again, welcome to Milton!

– Joe Lockwood, Milton mayor

Lockwood

Jamison

Cookerly

Mayor Joe Lockwood 678-242-2484 joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us City Council members Peyton Jamison, District 1/Post 1 678-242-2493 peyton.jamison@cityofmiltonga.us Carol Cookerly, District 1/Post 2 678-242-2497 carol.cookerly@cityofmiltonga.us

Bentley

Kunz

Longoria

Mohrig

Laura Bentley, District 2/Post 1 678-242-2495 laura.bentley@cityofmiltonga.us

Rick Mohrig, District 3/Post 2 678-242-2496 rick.mohrig@cityofmiltonga.us

Matt Kunz, District 2/Post 2 678-242-2494 matt.kunz@cityofmiltonga.us

Milton City Hall 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, Ga. 30004 678-242-2500 info@cityofmiltonga.us www.cityofmiltonga.us

Joe Longoria, District 3/Post 1 678-242-2498 joe.longoria@cityofmiltonga.us

Matilda’s opens Milton location

By JOE PARKER

A

fter over a year of planning, relocation and setting up its new venue, music venue “Matilda’s” is now operating in its Milton location in the Birmingham crossroads area.

Matilda’s is an open-air music venue using a “henhouse” as a stage and often features acoustic bands and performers.

The venue was a staple in Alpharetta for 15 years before the decision was made to relocate the venue to Milton in 2018.

The move was a contentious issue for Milton residents, with many sharing concerns over noise, traffic and safety in the relatively quiet Birmingham Crossroads area. While some nearby homeowners had anxiety over the relocation, the venue also had strong support from its regular concert attendees and residents believing it would be a welcome addition to the area.

Milton’s City Council ultimately approved the relocation but set caps on the number of concerts per year and attendees permitted at each performance.

The venue was slated to open in October 2018, but delays in relocating the henhouse stage from Alpharetta pushed back the first concert until May of 2019. During that time, the stage was updated and set in its new foundation.

The site, which is surrounded by trees near the 7Acre BarnGrill restaurant, has been updated to allow for parking and lighting. Attendees can set up a blanket or bring folded chairs and food and drinks of their choice. Tables and chairs are also open to ticketholders.

The concert season runs from May 1 through October 31 with a maximum of 30 Friday or Saturday night shows. Each concert has a limit of 200 attendees, but Matilda’s can use permits to allow for 250 concertgoers twice per concert season.

Individual tickets and season passes are available.

The inaugural concert was held May 2, 2019 with popular female-group Farewell Angelina.

For more information, visit Matildasmusicvenue. com.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 47

Top 3 events in Milton Rock for Rescues • Spring, Downtown Crabapple Rock for Rescues is the city’s newest annual event, bringing together animal and music lovers for a free concert. The event benefits local animal rescue organizations and features live music, vendors and furry friends of all shapes and sizes.

Christmas in Crabapple • Early December Downtown Crabapple Milton hosts its annual holiday event in the heart of Downtown Crabapple. This quaint holiday tradition has become a Milton staple including Santa photos arts, caroling, s’mores, hot cocoa and more. The event will be held at Broadwell Pavilion located at 12615 Broadwell Road.

Crabapple Fest • Early October Downtown Crabapple The City of Milton and non-profit Crabapple Community Association (CCA) combine to put on one massive destination festival. Crabapple Fest features antiques and art vendors, music and entertainment, children’s activities, and beer and wine on festival grounds.

Architecture, landscape and hardscape should all come together to create an harmonious effect in Downtown Crabapple, says developer Adam Orkin.

Cultural and outdoor activities Downtown Crabapple • Crabapple Road/Ga. 372, Milton Milton’s “downtown” has a historic hometown feel while incorporating some of the city’s new growth. Eat at some of the best restaurants in town or bring a picnic to the Broadwell Pavilion. Shop for trendy outfits and unique artistic pieces at local retailers that bring contemporary style to southern comfort.

Bell Memorial Park • 15245 Bell Park Road, Milton 48 | Community Answer Book 2019

Reopened in October 2015, Bell Memorial is a nearly 36-acre, active-use park with four diamond baseball fields and two multipurpose fields, pavilions, concessions and a playground.

Thomas Byrd Sr. House • 15690 Hopewell Road, Milton Renovated in June 2015, the historic 4,000-squarefoot, two-story home on Hopewell Road, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is a center for Senior Services North Fulton during the business day and an event facility for special occasions.

Milton cuts ribbon on Mark Law Arboretum

By JOE PARKER

D

ozens gathered at Bell Memorial Park Feb. 15 for the official opening of the Mark Law Arboretum, dedicated to former City Arborist Mark Law who envisioned the site to benefit park goers for generations.

Law, who began his tenure with the city at incorporation, retired in 2018 amid a battle with cancer. Law passed away two weeks after the arboretum dedication.

The arboretum is designed to engage and inform its users about different species of trees, their origins, mature sizes and, in many cases, showcase trees not native to the area.

City officials and Law’s family spoke about the arborist’s dedication to the city and his passion for arboriculture.

“Our family is beyond honored at this gesture,” Law’s wife, Christine, said. “It has so much meaning to us to know for many years people will remember Mark’s legacy.”

Mayor Joe Lockwood said it was an honor to work with Law, and the amount of people in attendance at the arboretum dedication is a testament to his impact on the community.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned, as Mark told me, by our actions and his actions, we can benefit others for generation after generation,” Lockwood said. “What Mark has done and as we continue on, it’s going to outlast every one of us. I’m just so thankful for

everything Mark has done.”

The city opened the first phase of the arboretum with plans to open the second and third phases over the next two Arbor Day celebrations. Park visitors can now learn about trees planted in the first phase, including a Corkscrew Willow, Black Tupelo, Persian Ironwood, Bald Cypress and Sweetbay Magnolia. The trees have been planted along the path near the entrance to Bell Memorial and are marked with signs that give information on each species.

The first tree planted is a survivor tree from the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Following the bombing, efforts were made to save an American elm tree outside the building, a tree which was nearly chopped down in an effort to recover evidence from the bombing that killed 168 people.

Efforts led the community to save the tree, and seedlings have been gathered from the tree which are grown and have been planted around the country.

“Mark has long had the vision of establishing an arboretum at a Milton park,” said Conservation Projects Manager Teresa Stickels. “He requested a [survivor tree] seedling many years ago in the hopes that one day it would be planted in the city’s arboretum, a place where people could go and enjoy nature and learn about trees.”

Law received a seedling and planted it in his own yard to foster its growth into a young tree that will serve as the first species within the arboretum.

Community Answer Book 2019 | 49

Milton continues efforts to preserve greenspace

By JOE PARKER

M

ilton is putting its Greenspace Bond dollars to work with the city completing multiple purchases for land preservation.

Milton voters passed the $25 Greenspace Bond in 2016, and funds can only be used to preserve buildable land and create passive parks. The bond was created with the intention of preserving Milton’s rural character.

Since 2017, the city has finalized multiple purchases, including the acquisition of the former Milton Country Club property.

The city purchased the site in January 2017 and has since kicked off the planning phase for a 139-acre passive park. The site also includes tennis courts and the city’s public pool.

A proposed plan for the development of the park was presented in February 2019. The working plan calls for removing the golf cart paths and creating a 2.2-mile granite trail running adjacent to nearby homes to begin the first phase of development. New trees

50 | Community Answer Book 2019

would also be planted to help shield the homes from park users.

The trailhead would be located near tennis courts and the pool, and upon completion of the trail the park could be opened to the public. The plan then calls for the connection of the two ends of the trail to Dinsmore Road to create a loop. The roadside trail could feature a 10-foot wide multi-use trail and an 8-foot wide equestrian bridle path.

The second phase of the project would add another trail loop along the southern end of the property near Freemanville Road Planners said the completion of both phases could take between four to nine years.

Milton also purchased 106 acres near Lackey Road, 21 acres at the intersection of Freemanville Road and Birmingham Road, but no plans have been presented for potential passive parks at the two locations.

Milton is also in multiple contracts to potentially purchase 114 additional acres of land. If all sales are finalized, the city will have preserved 380 acres of land with roughly $7.5 million remaining in bond funds.

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Community Answer Book 2019 | 51 D.

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AROUND TOWN

Community hospital, specialized care At WellStar North Fulton Hospital it is our vision to deliver world-class healthcare with the hospital’s team members, physicians, patients and community. Today, the 202-bed facility, located in Roswell, is recognized for its Accredited Cancer Program, Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center designations, and is one of only three state-designated Level II Trauma Centers in metro Atlanta.

Continued Commitment to Quality It’s WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s mission to provide quality, compassionate care to improve the health of those in the North Fulton community.

For this reason, we have invested in technology and services, including, a new state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab, two 128-slice CT scanners, laboratory and surgical equipment to ensure our patients receive the best care possible. Additionally, we renovated and expanded the Pain & Spine Center to provide patients infusion therapy, more waiting areas, and additional exam and procedure rooms. Last spring a new outpatient rehabilitation center opened in our hospital campus.

Medical Emergency Resources If you have a medical emergency, WellStar North 52 | Community Answer Book 2019 • SPONSORED CONTENT

WellStar North Fulton Hospital 3000 Hospital Boulevard Roswell, Georgia 30076 Main Line 770-751-2500 Physician Referral Line 770-956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org Fulton’s state-designed Level II Trauma Center is ready for you.

The center is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses with a variety of emergency certifications. The 15,000-square-foot emergency department incorporates 28 patient rooms, including separate cardiac, trauma and orthopedic areas equipped with modern technology to handle situations ranging from minor emergencies to life-threatening traumas.

Community Involvement We offer a variety of classes and screenings throughout the year. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to register for these classes or to obtain more information.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

UGLY DRIVEWAY? New Driveways | Patios Pavers | Stone and More

Dave McKemey 678-648-2010 HIGHEST CUSTOMER RATED • LIFETIME WARRANTY • SAME DAY SERVICE

$30 OFF

Any Electrical Work

Cannot combine with any other coupon.

678.648.2001

Call Us For A FREE Quote

Community Answer Book 2019 | 53

Emergency + Community

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

WEBSITE

United Way

To find help

211 or 404-614-1000

211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

ourcac.org

DFACS

Food Stamps/TANF/Medicaid

404-252-2180

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

770-458-9607

svdpatl.org

Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

404-730-5841

hafc.org

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

homestretch.org

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

roswellhousing.org

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

thedrakehouse.org

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-352-3597

salvationarmy.org

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

gatewayctr.org

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

404-817-7070

hopeatlanta.org/

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Employment Discrimination

800-669-4000

eeoc.gov/field/atlanta

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

866-873-5676

dol.state.ga.us

Pregnancy Counseling

678-893-5290

abeaconofhope.com

HOUSING & HOMELESS

EMPLOYMENT

FAMILY & CHILDRENS SERVICES A Beacon of Hope Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

404-699-4399

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ child-abuse-neglect

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-532-3208

preventchildabusega.org

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

877-423-4746

dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

404-678-3600

fultonschools.org

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

404-763-6774

fultonschools.org

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

678-387-4458

nfcchelp.org/education

Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

678-585-9100

georgiaheadstart.org

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

cdakids.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

770-887-1121

forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services

Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

yourtoolsforliving.org

Senior Services North Fulton

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

770-993-1906

ssnorthfulton.org

54 | Community Answer Book 2019

ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

WEBSITE

CREDIT COUNSELING/ LEGAL/ POLICE CredAbility

Consumer Credit Counseling

404-527-7630

credability.org

NID Housing Counseling Agency

Foreclosure Information/ assistance

404-612-0405

atlhca.com

HOPE

Foreclosure assistance

888-995-4673

995hope.org

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hotline

Roswell – Crime/Drugs

770-641-3959

roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta

Alpharetta – Crime/Drugs

678-297-6307

alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs

678-474-1610

johnscreekga.gov/services/ police.aspx

City of Milton

Milton Police Department General

678-242-2570

cityofmiltonga.us

Rape Hotline

24 Hour Hotline

770-887-1121

fultoncountyga.gov/contact-ussolicitor

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

gnesa.org/content/grady-rapecrisis-center

Fulton County Records

Birth/Death Records

404-613-1260

fultoncountyga.gov/dhw-vitalrecords

Social Security

Social Security, Disability, SSI

800-772-1213

ssa.gov

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

motor.etax.dor.ga.gov

Veterans Administration

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

800-827-1000

va.gov

Fulton County Housing & Human Services

Info on County programs

404-613-7944

fultoncountyga.gov/divisionsand-programs

MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-4711

itsmarta.com

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

bhlweb.com/tabform/ fultoncountyga.gov

GOVERNMENT

HEALTH

North Fulton Regional Health Center

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-332-1958

North Fulton Service Center

Common Ground (co-located svcs)

404-612-3917 or 404-6126372

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-616-1550

gradyhealthsystem.org/

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

northside.com/medical_ services

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

770-643-1792

choa.org/About-Childrens/ Locations-and-Directions

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

goodsamatlanta.org/

Georgia Highlands

primary care clinic serving North GA

678-887-1668

georgia highlandsmedical.org

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital - Roswell

770-751-2500

nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

gradyhealth.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

choa.org/

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

emoryjohnscreek.com/

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

404-851-8000

northside.com/

St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta

Hospital - Sandy Springs

404-581-7001

stjosephsatlanta.org

Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth

Hospital

678-312-6800

gwinnettmedical center.org Community Answer Book 2019 | 55

At the

HEART

of Advanced Cardiac Care

Prepared to Treat You Close to Home!

WellStar North Fulton Hospital Cardiovascular Medicine offers the most advanced cardiac care in the area. Our cardiologists utilize the latest treatments with cutting-edge technology in our brand new Cardiac Catheterization Lab — to keep the hearts of families in North Fulton beating strong.

If you have a history of heart disease or heart attacks in your family, please take a moment to visit us online and take a risk assessment or schedule a heart screening.

To learn more about our advances in cardiac care or to schedule an appointment, call (770) 956-STAR or visit NorthFultonHeart.com